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Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid cancer usually shows up as a painless lump in the neck. Most types grow slowly and have an excellent outlook, particularly when found and treated early.
Causes & risk factors
- Radiation exposure, especially in childhood
- A family history of thyroid cancer
- Certain inherited conditions
- Being female
- Long-standing goitre or thyroid nodules
- Iodine deficiency (for some types)
Common symptoms
- A painless lump in the front of the neck
- Swollen glands in the neck
- A hoarse voice that does not improve
- Difficulty swallowing or a persistent sore throat
- A feeling of pressure in the neck
Tests & diagnosis
- Neck ultrasound
- Thyroid function tests
- Fine-needle aspiration biopsy
- Radioactive iodine scan in some cases
Treatment & management
- Surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid
- Radioactive iodine treatment after surgery for some types
- Thyroid hormone tablets after removal
- External radiotherapy or targeted therapy for rare aggressive types
- Most common types have a very good outlook
When to see a doctor urgently
- A lump in the neck that lasts more than a few weeks
- A hoarse voice or swallowing difficulty that does not settle
- A swollen neck gland with no infection to explain it
Frequently asked questions
Is a thyroid lump usually cancer?
No — most thyroid lumps (nodules) are benign. But because a small number are cancerous, a new or growing lump should be checked with an ultrasound and, if needed, a biopsy.
Will I need thyroid tablets after surgery?
If all or most of the thyroid is removed, you will take thyroid hormone tablets daily to replace what the gland made. This is straightforward and monitored with blood tests.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.